Nigeria has declared its readiness to make history by hosting the Commonwealth Games for the first time on African soil in 2030. President Bola Tinubu gave the assurance on Thursday as he welcomed the Commonwealth Sport Bid Evaluation Committee to Abuja.
Receiving the delegation at the Presidential Villa on behalf of the President, Chief of Staff Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila reaffirmed Nigeria’s determination to stage a world-class Games that reflects unity, inclusivity, and diversity. He emphasized that nearly a century after the Games began in 1930, Africa deserved its turn to host the prestigious sporting event.
Gbajabiamila, joined by federal ministers and senior government officials, held strategic discussions with the team led by Darren Hall, Director of Games and Assurance at Commonwealth Sport and member of the 2030 Evaluation Committee. “You are very welcome to Nigeria. I hope you enjoy our great hospitality. The President has written a Letter of Guarantee to you; his full weight is behind this bid,” Gbajabiamila told the delegation.
Tinubu, in his message, explained that his administration has introduced bold reforms to reposition sports as a catalyst for national development. He noted that the Ministry of Sports had been replaced with the National Sports Commission to drive lasting growth. The President assured the evaluation team that Nigeria’s infrastructure, security, and hospitality facilities would be ready ahead of schedule, stressing that the 2030 bid was not just about hosting but also about leaving a legacy for youth and national development.
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Shehu Dikko, Chairman of the National Sports Commission, insisted that Nigeria’s case was stronger than India’s, noting that Africa accounts for 21 Commonwealth nations and Nigeria, as the continent’s giant, deserves the honour of hosting. “For President Tinubu, the Commonwealth Games in 2030 will not just be about sports participation but a celebration of Nigeria’s global strength in sports,” he said.
Habu Gumel, President of Commonwealth Sport Nigeria, pledged that the country would deliver an environmentally sustainable Games, while Mainasara Illo, Chairman of the Bid Committee, unveiled key highlights of Nigeria’s proposal. The plan includes 15 sports with football added to raise excitement, global visibility, and audience engagement.
Darren Hall, responding on behalf of the committee, thanked Tinubu and the Nigerian government for the warm reception. “I have been most thrilled by the passion of the Nigerian people in all their endeavours, including sports,” he said, adding that the Commonwealth, now 56 nations strong, is committed to greater diversity as it nears its centenary.
Nigeria is competing against India, with Abuja and Ahmedabad in Gujarat as their respective proposed host cities. The Commonwealth Games General Assembly will announce the winning bid in November 2025. If successful, Nigeria will make history as the first African nation to host the Commonwealth Games.
